BENNINGTON — Following a monthlong amnesty period in March, police in Bennington plan to step up efforts to collect about $150,000 owed to the town in over 5,500 unpaid parking tickets and late fees.

Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette said the town’s parking ticket records date back to 1997. He told the Bennington Banner the records are becoming too cumbersome and the department is hoping to clear the backlog.

Parking tickets are now $25. If they are not paid within 72 hours, the fee is doubled.

However, throughout March, anyone with outstanding tickets will be able to pay them for the original fee, without late charges.